Contacting ModelWorks

[Julia]

Has anyone been able to contacts ModelWorks this week(27-30thMay) by phone or email?

Their main number just rings and rings however the fax number is "answered" by the machine.

Julia

[Deleted]

Julia

I posted a thread at the same time as you. I have the same problem

[Deleted]

I have just had a look on the Companies House website. Modelworks have to submit their accounts for the year to 31 July 2007 by 31 May 2008. So far they have not done so - they are obviously leaving it till the last minute. I will look again on Monday. The accounts can be quite revealing as to their financial position.

Regards

Jim

[Julia]

I am led to believe that ModelWorks are in administration.

I know no details of the administrators so it is a case of waiting for an official announcement.

The only other news I have is that Steve Baldock is working on a plan to manufacture the remaining components for the road steam models.

Julia

[Deleted]

I spoke to Dean a little while ago and he confirmed this.

It's very sad news for all the builders, and of course for the staff at Daventry who have worked very hard to keep the business going. I hope that Dean and Steve succeed in their attempt to acquire and continue some part of the business, albeit on a smaller scale.

Regards,

John

[Deleted]

The administration is sad news for the staff and customers. The administrators will try to salve any worth that they can for the creditors. The creditors include customers who have paid for undelivered kits in advance and also any deposits paid. They will stand behind secured creditors and the Inland revenue for any unpaid PAYE or National Insurance. If I were a customer I would be reading the small print in my contract now.

Normally, for a small company such as Modelworks, the administrator's fees absorb most of the cash leaving the creditors with very little.

I do not see the 5" Duchess being completed now unless the administrator can sell the technology and plans to someone who is willing to take on the responsibility. Even if they do find somemone an upwards price adjustment is likely.

Sad day indeed.

Regards

Jim

[alanstepney]

Whilst I am sorry to see this happen, I am not at all surprised.

I used to work with a couple of the liqidators, and although their fees do tend to absorb, what can be a considerable amount of the assets, they do their best to find a buyer and to protect the interests of those who have lost money.

The one possible problem is that, when I checked on them some time ago, I found that there were several companies involved. One did the sales, one the manufacturing, and another owned many of the assets. (That might have changed as I havent checked recently.)
If so, apart from being an arrangement that I personally do not like, it may mean that some creditors will come out of it better than others.

The people I feel sorry for are the customers, who I dont feel have been treated well from beginning to end.

[denis M]

I heard this news yesterday but kept quiet until it was confirmed.

Having been through this with Winson and my Baldwin I truly feel sorry for all those that have part completed models but do take heart and if you decided you want to carry on to finish your models then you will, believe me.

When the other shower went under I got no money back from the receivers, they make sure of that but I'm sure that if you paid by credit card then you have some come back, I'm sure someone in the legal profession will confirm but I think that you have to return the model.

In my case I had spent hours on the thing and decided to finish it, took a while but I am really glad I did.

Keep you chin up

Denis

[denis M]

Just a quick thought, I would stop any credit card or bank payment that are set up.

Just in case.

Denis

[alanstepney]

If anyone has any contact details for the Administrators, could they send me a PM please.

[baggo]

Unfortunately this has been on the cards for some time now

John

[gilesengineer]

Might it be worth keeping an eye on E-bay for 'future' kit bits?
Just a thought.

[Deleted]

I have just now browsed the London Gazette and there is nothing yet published about the appointment of any administrator to Modelworks. However the Gazette publications are not real time and can be up to 2 weeks in arrears.

It would be helpful for all to know if the administrator has written to any existing customers so that appropriate claims can be lodged.

Regards

Jim

[alanstepney]

I still receive details about most/many liquidations, but there is nothing about Modelworks yet.

When I find who the Administrators are, I will contact them, as I know someone who MIGHT, and I emphasise might, be interested in buying the company, or perhaps the assets.
A lot will depend upon what the books reveal.

In any case, my advice to anyone who has a part built kit, is to sit tight and await events.
The Administrators will be in touch with anyone who has pre-paid for items, and who owes, or is owed, money by the company.
Once those letters go out, then anyone who does NOT get one, (for example, someone who has a complete set of kits, but some items that are missing or not to specification) should then claim for whatever parts or remedial work is needed.

So, in the famous words of Douglas Adams, "dont panic".

[Julia]

As the starter of this thread "Contacting ModelWorks", given recent developments can I suggest we start a new thread with a more informative title collate events as they unfold.

eg ModelWorks Administration

[alanstepney]

Good suggestion.
I will do so now.